Recently, I did some immersive theater for my first time. It was an experience that I am still processing. If you’re like I was a few short weeks ago, and aren’t too sure what the heck immersive theater is, your first clue lies in my initial sentence: I did some. I didn’t watch or, go see. I did it. And therein lies the power of this format. It engages every fiber of one’s consciousness. You become part of the story. Where it goes. How it ends. All the while, there is another living, breathing, sentient being right there with you, creating/sharing/living the same story with you.
That’s some powerful stuff there.
The format of my experience was that, I was being set-up on a blind date. I understood when I bought my ticket where and when it would take place, and that I would receive a series of text messages instructing me how to meet up. I was to respond to the situation as my true self. As promised, the night before my scheduled blind date, I received my first text. True to real life, I was both relieved and filled with anxiety when Tailor finally texted. He/she (still gender neutral at this point) simply reminded me of the location (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the time (12:30 pm). No preamble. No hint as to his/her character. Just confirming.
And so the story began…
About an hour before our meet up time, I got another text saying they had arrived early and already bought my museum ticket. I was instructed to tell the front desk upon my arrival that, “Tailor already paid for me.” Once inside, I texted again, and was told where to find them.
“Second floor. Near the neon paintings. I’m wearing a blue dress,” Tailor informed me. Ah! Finally! Some information about my story: I was being set-up to meet another woman! I could hear the file drawers of options that had been playing in my head re how this all might go down, do a fast and furious reshuffle.
Our date was fun and insightful, gut wrenching and lighthearted, all at the same time. She shared one of her favorite songs with me outside on a balcony, me wearing the right earbud while she held the left to her ear. We shared truths. We laughed. We hugged. We cried. We formed a bond.
And then, poof! It was over.
Kinda surreal, you know?
So, yeah. I did some immersive theater a few days ago.
Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat.
Note: Blind Date is one of three immersive theater themes currently being offered by the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
